Ballia district’s Ratoochak village in Sagarpali, the ancestral land of freedom fighter Chittu Pandey (also known as Sher-e-Ballia), has been found to contain crude oil reserves. According to ONGC, the region holds large oil deposits spread across approximately 300 square kilometers from Sagarpali in Ballia to Phaphamau in Prayagraj. The company has leased the land and started drilling operations. Currently, oil extraction is being carried out on around 12 bighas of land, which ONGC has rented from Chittu Pandey’s family for Rs. 10 lakh per year, according to a report in hindi.news18.com. The drilling work has been progressing rapidly for the past six months, and the area is expected to witness significant economic and developmental growth in the coming years.
Speaking about the discovery, Prof. Ashok Kumar Srivastava, head of the Commerce Department in Ballia, highlighted that this find is not only beneficial for Ballia but also for the entire Purvanchal region and nearby areas. He emphasized that it could open new doors for development and help reduce India’s dependence on imported oil. Ballia’s contribution to this economic transformation is expected to be historic.
New hope and job opportunities
Prof. Sahab Dubey, a commerce expert, said that Ballia, located in the easternmost part of Uttar Pradesh, is now on the brink of transformation due to the discovery of crude oil reserves. This finding is expected to create new job opportunities for the unemployed in the region. The financial conditions of local villagers will improve significantly, marking this as a proud moment for the entire nation.
Major step towards economic growth
India spends a large amount of foreign exchange on importing crude oil from Gulf countries. If the Sagarpali oil reserves turn out to be substantial, it could bring significant economic benefits to the country. The development of this region will also lead to improved infrastructure, including better water supply, roads, education, and transportation facilities.
A priceless treasure
The area where crude oil has been discovered holds great cultural and historical significance, as it is the ancestral land of freedom fighter Chittu Pandey, who dedicated his life to India’s independence struggle. Unearthing this natural treasure on his soil is a remarkable tribute to his legacy. Beyond boosting the region’s economy, this discovery will also bring social, economic, and moral progress, making it a milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance and growth.
ONGC’s key role in India’s energy sector
Since its establishment in 1956, the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has been a major player in India’s oil exploration efforts. The company is credited with several significant discoveries, including the Mumbai High field, which continues to be the country’s largest oil reserve. By April 2021, India’s crude oil reserves were estimated at around 587.3 million metric tonnes, mainly concentrated in the western offshore areas, Assam, and Gujarat.
In 2024, ONGC made five new oil and gas discoveries as part of its mission to boost domestic production and reduce dependence on imports. The recent crude oil find in Ballia highlights ONGC’s dedication to identifying and utilizing untapped energy reserves across the country.
